Muskox and healing mineral waters

Our first full day in the Whitehorse region was spent out of town. We headed up the North Klondike Highway to stop for a North Bean latte we'd read about before spending three hours walking 5 kilometres through the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. This huge area has space for bison, caribou, elk, moose, arctic fox, lynx and muskox to roam and breed in huge natural areas. There are newborns in most paddocks including a tiny bison teetering over to his hiding spot in the trees. At the end of our three-hour hike we were thrilled with a closeup look at the monster muskoxen. This amazing animal must have provided the template for Beauty and the Beast and puts bad hair day in perspective. There were four miniature 'beasts' newly born and sitting amongst the enormous adults in the shade.

We continued on the road to the Takhini Hot Springs. Natural hot mineral waters that were a treat after our hike. Before our dip, we stopped for lunch in the attached cafe and found ourselves in Cafe Balsam, a gourmet's treat. Bouillabaisse, sweet and savoury crepes were the specialty. We were passing spoons around for taste sensations. Open year round we then soaked in the pool and heard stories from locals about going dogsledding first then sitting in the pool and watching the Northern Lights. Makes their dark winter sound appealing!